Bruce reveals Malbranque set for France return

Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne is on the verge of signing Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque, according to Black Cats boss Steve Bruce.

The 31-year-old is set to return to France following a 10-year spell in England and his transfer to Saint Etienne should be completed very soon.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that the agreement is very close.

“Steve has done remarkably well for the club over the last two or three years, but it’s maybe time that he moves on and we wish him well,” Bruce told Sunderland Echo.

“I think it’s in advanced talks so maybe there’ll be something to report there soon.

“We’ve decided to say okay which is inevitable with the amount of people we’ve brought in and the balance of the squad.”